Current federal hiring problems result in processes that do not meet the needs of (1) agencies in achieving their missions, (2) managers in filling positions, and (3) applicants for a timely, efficient, transparent, and merit-based process. Federal human resources directors from the 24 major federal departments and agencies found time-to-hire a problem, with the estimated time to fill a competitive service position taking from 3 to more than 6 months. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has identified the following key problems with federal hiring processes: defining jobs and determining appropriate pay is complicated by classification processes and standards; unclear job announcements are confusing and serve as poor recruiting tools; a key assessment tool is ineffective; manual processes are time consuming; and the "rule of three" limits the choice of applicants. OPM's efforts to resolve these problems will be most effective when they transform agency hiring practices from process focused to mission focused. As part of its overall hiring initiative, the General Accounting Office recommends that OPM study how to improve, streamline, and reform the classification process; continue to assist agencies in making job announcements and Web postings more user friendly and effective; assist agencies in automating their hiring; and develop and help agencies develop improved hiring assessment tools. (Includes 6 appendices, 2 figures, and 3 tables.) (MO)